s savoy elementary school in southeast, but on this day they're -- >> just like michael jackson. >> reporter: a teacher direct from atop an suv parked right on f street. >> i just want to help them understand they can go anywhere they want to go. >> reporter: savoy has traditionally been a very low performing school, but they were selected a while back by the president's committee on the arts to get some extra resources, things like art supplies and musical instruments. the award goes to schools that are about to turn the corner. >> i was born and raised there in southeast. to come back to that community and see how the program is making kids want to come to school, making parents want to get involved, the volunteers, it just really is building the community. ♪we're fighting for the night. it's a thriller ♪ >> reporter: they practiced for a month. >> every day. we practiced like this. >> i'm very proud because we put a lot of effort in it. >> i feel happy because we get to experience something we never did before and i feel good about it. >> reporter: when you saw your faces and makeup,